Recently at my nail spa I came across a delectable experience. Here there are varying degrees of specialized packages. There is the basic pedicure, the "flavor of the month", which encompasses a salt scrub with extra care, and "extra massage". I found for approximately the same price of the "flavor of the month" I could indulge in the "extra massage" for about the same price.

Extra massage immediately brought forth thoughts of reflexology wondering if it would benefit my condition. I decided to throw caution to the wind and embark on this new treat. What I found was utterly amazing! As the massage progressed, my body immediately went into a deep relaxation mode elevating any resistant pain. It was so pronounced and lasted hours through the night that I rushed to the internet to find out why!Reflex Points to Relieve Fibromyalgic SymptomsTo Improve Mental ClarityHead & Brain reflexes -– the medial and lateral sides and the top of the big toes. As well as helping to aid memory and reduce fatigue, this can encourage restful sleep.

Balance - found against the base of the fourth toe, this is an important point to work if your symptoms include nausea and dizziness.To Reduce Fatigue and Improve SleepPituitary -This reflex is found in the centre of the plantar surface of the big toe. The pituitary gland governs the activities of all other endocrine glands.

Pineal & Hypothalamus -– both these reflex areas are found on the plantar surface of the big toe close to the edge of the nail.

Adrenals - this reflex is painful in most people (which also makes it easy to find) – it is a small area about the size of your thumb found on the plantar surface of the arch of the foot about halfway down the foot and between the first and second toes.Thyroid - found on the plantar surface of the foot on the fleshy ‘ball’ of the foot between your first and second toes. To Improve Your MoodWorking the reflexes listed above will also help to improve your mood, however it can be invaluable for clients to learn how to find their solar plexus point so that they can start to help themselves during the time between reflexology treatments.Solar Plexus -– An essential point to encourage relaxation. This point is found on the plantar surface of the foot just under the ball of the foot and between the second and third toes. For Pain ReliefJoints are often particularly painful, working the reflex areas associated with the following can be a great relief:Shoulders - the fleshy ball of the foot immediately under the smallest toe on the plantar surface of the foot. Most people have crystalline deposits here.Knees, Elbows, Hips - work down the lateral edge of the foot from the smallest toe to the ankle, stopping to rotate above and below each bony prominence.Jaw/facial - area – found just below the nail of the big toe on both feet. Focus on this area if you experience TMJ pain.Spinal reflexes -– found on the medial side of both feet, the spinal reflex area is most closely linked to the nervous system and will be particularly effective in providing pain relief. For Irritable Bowel SymptomsColon - The colon reflexes are found across both feet. The ascending colon starts on the plantar surface of the right foot just above the fleshy part of the heel (and below the smallest toe). Work up the colon (from heel to toe) until you reach the fleshy ball of the foot, turn your hand sharply to work across the foot (for the transverse colon) from the smallest toe to the big toe. The transverse colon on the left foot is in the same area – so you would work from the areas below the ball of the foot underneath the big toe towards the area underneath the smallest toe. Turn your hand to work down towards the heel for the descending colon, then follow the shape of the fleshy part of the heel to work the sigmoid colon and rectum reflexes.Small ntestine -– found inside the area just marked out by the colon reflexes. Indulge, indulge! If you can't find a good pedicurist, do find a reflexologist and reap the benefits!